YoYo Games launches open beta for Nintendo Switch version of GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker creator YoYo Games has announced the expansion of its offer, with the launch of the GameMaker Studio 2 Nintendo Switch licence edition open beta.

It will allow developers to export their games directly to Switch. If you’re interested in the open beta, you first need to become an authorised Switch developer by registering on Nintendo’s website. You then need to sign up for the open beta on Nintendo’s GameMaker middleware web page. Last but not least, you will need either a Nintendo Switch licence ($799/12 months) or a GameMaker Studio 2 Ultimate licence ($1,500/12 months).

The open beta will take place for about one month, with the full product due to release this September.

James Cox, general manager at YoYo Games commented: “Since announcing our relationship with Nintendo to launch the GameMaker Studio 2 Nintendo Switch licence edition, we’ve been contacted by over 1,000 developers who want to bring their GameMaker titles onto Nintendo’s record-breaking console. We’ve already seen the first wave of GameMaker Studio 2 titles announced for Nintendo Switch, including Hyper Light Drifter, Minit and Undertale, and we’re excited to see the massive range of GameMaker Studio 2 content that will be launching on the platform.”

Jan Willem Nijman, creator of Minit (alongside Kitty Calis, Jukio Kallio and Dominik Johann) added: “It's been very exciting to stay in touch with YoYo Games and see this all come to life. We’re delighted to be able to release Minit on the Nintendo Switch platform. Growing up toying with GameMaker and later turning it into a career, I wouldn't dare dream that eventually GameMaker Studio 2 would let us put our game on a Nintendo console!”

GameMaker Studio 2 has had a great first year. We speak to YoYo Games’ general manager, James Cox, about its success, its plans to bring forth a new generation of game developers, and where the engine goes from here